UPDATE :13 players set to miss Birmingham City v Southampton ft £30k-per-week man

Birmingham City and Southampton are set to meet again after locking horns earlier this month, when an in-form Saints side claimed a 3–1 victory at St Mary’s Stadium thanks to goals from Finn Azaz and Adam Armstrong. That defeat proved to be a turning point for Birmingham, who had previously won five of their last eight matches but have since collected only two points from their following four Championship outings.
Losses away to QPR and Sheffield United, alongside disappointing home draws against Charlton Athletic and John Eustace’s Derby County, have increased the pressure on Blues head coach Wayne Davies. Reports suggest former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is among the leading candidates to replace him should Birmingham’s owners, Knighthead, decide to make a change.
It has been widely reported that Davies needed positive results against both Derby and Southampton to secure his position. With only one point separating the two sides ahead of the final Championship fixture of the year, the upcoming encounter carries huge significance for the former Tottenham Hotspur assistant.
In the build-up to the match, attention has turned to team news, with a number of key players unavailable across both squads.
Birmingham will be without captain and central defender Christoph Klarer, who was sent off late in the 1–1 draw against Derby County for a dangerous high challenge on Ebou Adams. The red card means Klarer will miss the next three matches, a major setback for the Blues.
The hosts also suffered an early blow in that game when winger Demarai Gray was forced off with a calf injury and replaced by Lewis Koumas. Speaking after the match, Davies admitted the injury could sideline Gray for several weeks. While the full severity of the problem is still unknown, the forward is expected to miss Southampton’s visit. His absence will be keenly felt, with Gray—reported to earn around £30,000 per week—having contributed five goals and four assists in the Championship this season, including a goal in the reverse fixture.
Midfielder Tommy Doyle is another confirmed absentee, as he continues to serve a three-match suspension following his red card in Birmingham’s 3–0 defeat at Sheffield United on December 20. Marc Leonard filled in against Derby and is likely to keep his place, especially with Birmingham short of midfield options.
With multiple key players missing and managerial pressure mounting, Birmingham face a tough challenge against a confident Southampton side.